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Application of Growth Retardants in Plants: Challenges and Opportunities
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Fatemeh Shahsavandi   , Saeid Eshghi , Yousef Ahmadi , Hamzeh Mafakheri |
| shiraz university |
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Abstract: (199 Views) |
Plant growth substances are compounds, either natural or synthetic that modifies or controls through physiological function, the growth and maturation of plants. If the compound is naturally produced within the plant, it is called a plant hormone or phytohormone. Plant growth regulators (PGRs) or plant hormones are the chemical species that profoundly influence the growth and differentiation of various parts of plant. In general, it is accepted that there are five major classes of plant hormones. They are Auxins (IAA), Cytokinins, Gibberellins, Ethylene and Abscisic Acid. However, there are still many plant growth substances that cannot be grouped under these classes, though they also perform similar functions, inhibiting or promoting plant growth. These substances include Brassinosteroids, Salicylic Acid, Jasmonic Acid, Fusicoccin, Batasins, Strigolactones, triazoles, Growth stimulants (e.g. Hymexazol and Pyripropanol), Defoliants (e.g.Calcium Cyanamide, Dimethipin). Plant growth retardants reduce the shoot length of plants without being phytotoxic or causing malformations. This is primarily achieved by reduced cell elongation but also by a lowered rate of cell division. Some growth retardants are of economic importance in agriculture and horticulture, since they can be employed to affect the morphology of cultivated plants in a desired way. However, their effects vary depending upon the species, growth stage, dosage and environmental conditions. The excessive use can lead to negative impact such as stunted growth or delayed flowering; therefore, care must be taken with their application. Some synthetic regulators and retardants are also used as herbicides and pesticides. Therefore, attention should be paid to the production and synthesis of these substances so that they affect plants in a way that would favor yield. In this article, some growth retardants, important points to consider when using them, their applications, and some consequences of improper use of this category of growth regulators will be introduced.
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| Keywords: Plant growth retardants, Gibberellins, Triazoles, Environmental conditions |
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Full-Text [PDF 629 kb]
(77 Downloads)
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Type of Study: case report |
Subject:
Environmental stresses
Received: 2025/08/30 | Accepted: 2025/12/19 | Published: 2026/05/12
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